The Russia-Ukraine war escalated dramatically on June 1, 2025, as Ukraine launched a massive drone attack, destroying over 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers, at airbases deep inside Russia. Simultaneously, Russia unleashed its largest drone assault since the 2022 invasion, firing 472 drones and seven missiles on Ukraine. These tit-for-tat strikes, reported by The Associated Press and BBC, come just before peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, highlighting the conflict’s intensity. NovexaHub’s News category dives into this audacious operation and its implications.
Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” Operation: A Game-Changer
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) executed a meticulously planned operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeting four Russian airbases: Belaya in Irkutsk, Olenya in Murmansk, Diaghilevo in Ryazan, and Ivanovo. Over 40 aircraft, including Tu-95 “Bear” bombers, Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers, Tu-160s, and A-50 early warning planes, were hit, causing an estimated $2 billion in damage, per Bloomberg. The SBU smuggled first-person-view (FPV) drones in wooden crates on trucks, launching them near airfields over 4,300 km from Ukraine’s front lines, according to Reuters. Video footage showed Tu-95s engulfed in flames, a major blow to Russia’s long-range missile capabilities.
How Did Ukraine Pull It Off?
The operation, planned for 18 months under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s supervision, showcased Ukraine’s drone technology. In March 2025, Ukraine unveiled drones with a 3,000-km range, per Euronews. Drones were hidden in retractable-roof crates, allowing precise strikes on airfields. Despite Russia’s use of tires to confuse targeting systems, Ukraine’s drones hit 41 bombers, including nuclear-capable Tu-95s, which carry Kh-101 cruise missiles with 400-kg warheads, per BBC. Russia’s Defense Ministry called the strikes “terrorist attacks” but claimed they were repelled, a claim unverified by independent sources.
Russia’s Record Drone Barrage
On the same day, Russia launched 472 drones—the highest single-day total since February 2022—alongside seven missiles, targeting Ukrainian cities, per Ukraine’s Air Force. Ukrainian defenses neutralized 385 aerial targets, but damage to infrastructure and apartment blocks was widespread, per Hindustan Times. A separate Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian training center killed 12 soldiers and injured 60, prompting the resignation of Major General Mkyhailo Drapatyi. The barrage underscores Russia’s reliance on drone warfare, with 80% of drone electronics sourced from China, per The Guardian.
Istanbul Peace Talks: A Tense Backdrop
The attacks coincide with a second round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, 2025. Zelenskyy criticized Russia for not sharing a promised ceasefire memorandum, per Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian negotiators aim to secure a framework to end the war, but Russia’s intensified strikes and Ukraine’s deep incursions suggest both sides are flexing military muscle before negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Western nations of enabling Ukraine’s attacks, per Al Jazeera.
Strategic Implications
Ukraine’s strike is a significant setback for Russia’s air force, which relies on Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers for long-range missile strikes. The loss of A-50 aircraft, worth $350 million each, hampers Russia’s air defense coordination, per Kyiv Independent. However, Russia’s massive drone retaliation shows its capacity to sustain aerial assaults. The operation highlights Ukraine’s growing technological edge, but escalating cross-border strikes risk prolonging the conflict.
Global Reactions
Social media posts on X reflected shock at the scale of Ukraine’s attack, with users praising the SBU’s audacity. Russian governors, including Irkutsk’s Igor Kobzev, confirmed drone activity but downplayed damage. Western leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have relaxed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons, per The Guardian, signaling stronger support for Kyiv.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s drone attack on over 40 Russian aircraft marks a bold escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, countered by Russia’s record 472-drone barrage. As both nations head to Istanbul for peace talks, the stakes are higher than ever. Explore more updates at NovexaHub’s News category and share your thoughts on this turning point in the conflict.
